Issue 49.14
Well, the crazy Thanksgiving weekend shopping is over and we can all get down to figuring out how to fill out the last items on our shopping lists. I’m not much help on non-technology issues, but here are a few things you may want to consider as you look for that perfect gift for someone who has almost everything.
Cameras are an interesting category this year. Most people have a reasonably good camera in their cell phone, but if you want a stand-alone product, there is a wide variety available. Simple cameras can be purchased for $20 or less, but the quality is poor and only worthwhile as a novelty or stocking stuffer for children. Fair quality digital cameras can be had in the $50-$100 range from Vivitar, Casio and a few other makers and many of them can also record video. If you want the real quality, consumer models are available in the $100-$400 range from Fuji, Canon, Samsung and others that have larger lenses, better light handling and some nice effects. If you are looking for professional equipment, it has come down a little, but is still expensive. The top-of-the-line equipment can run from $400 up to a few thousand. They typically have detachable/attachable lenses, telephotos and filters that give you professional capabilities.
Printers are another confusing subject. Generally printers that have a MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) below $100 are cheaply built and you are lucky to get a year or so of service before they break down or stop printing quality images. For most users, an MSRP in the $150-$250 range will give you good, reliable service for 2-4 years or longer. If you watch, you can usually find a sale on something in the $225 ballpark on sale for around $125. You should also research what ink or toner costs per page for the unit you are looking at because that will be your biggest expense if you do much printing. A cheap printer with expensive ink can be a real headache.
Just a note about the new 3-D printers. They are not for printing documents. They actually create 3 dimensional projects that can include custom parts for assembly, toys, figurines and lots of other ideas. They are expensive when you include the cost of the resins or other filaments they use to “print” the items, but it is cool that you can create the thing you want instead of trying to find someone who makes it.
Storage is something we all need more of. Flash drives are now well under $1 per Gigabyte (as long as you buy the 16-64 Gig versions). External Hard Drives are also lower this year. You can get 500 Gigabyte drives for around $50 and 1-4 Terrabyte externals in the $80-$300 range, depending on whether they are portable, type of software and brand name. Another type of drive that is gaining popularity as it drops in price is the SSD or Solid State Drive. This is like having an internal and very fast flash drive. They range from 120 Gigabytes to 1 Terrabyte and run from $75-$500 in price.
Add in the new biometric devices that can measure your heart rate, blood pressure and calorie consumption and you have a lot of fun tech to choose from as you complete your Christmas shopping. But remember to always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 25 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.